Final answer:
Murphy's sign is a clinical finding used to diagnose acute cholecystitis, indicated by acute pain and inspiratory arrest upon palpation of the RUQ during inspiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon being described is known as the Murphy's sign, which is an important clinical finding in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by a blockage of the cystic duct by gallstones, and it often presents as sharp pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen. During an examination, the healthcare provider asks the patient to take a deep breath while pressing on the RUQ; if the patient experiences a sudden stop in inspiration due to pain, Murphy's sign is considered positive.